Legend's production company, Get Lifted Film Co., released the film "Southside With You," which imagined President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's first date. The film garnered numerous film festival awards for independant film success.
MORE: John Legend’s “Underground” Railroad series picked up for second season
The production company also had success in television with the success of the critically acclaimed show “Underground.” The show tells the story of a group of slaves from a Georgia plantation who plan a 600 mile escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad.
The show features a cast including Christopher Meloni, Mykelti Williamson and Jurnee Smollett-Bell. It is reported that Legend will make an appearance in the second season, portraying the role of abolitionist Fredrick Douglass.
Legend made his acting debut in the Critic’s Choice-winning film “La La Land.” Legend plays Keith, the band leader. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The film won six Golden Globes and has a lot of Oscar buzz.
RELATED: Springfield’s John Legend furthers his movie, television career
Legend also released his latest album, "Darkness and Light" in December. The album peaked at No. 14 for Top 200 Albums, No. 10 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Single and No. 6 for Hot R&B Streaming on the Billboard charts. The album is Legend's fifth solo studio album.
On a local end, Legend became the namesake for the renovated John Legend Theater, located at The Dome in Springfield. Legend said the former South High School auditorium has always been a special place in the community.
MORE: Legend returns for ‘important center of Springfield’
“I remember performing here before it was re-modeled many, many years ago,” Legend said. “I performed here in plays and talent shows, and I always looked at this building as such an important center of Springfield because it is one of the more striking buildings in town and has so much history to it.”
And to put the cherry on top of a rewarding professional year for Legend, he became a father as his wife, Chrissy Teigan, gave birth to their daughter, Luna.
Legend will continue this momentum going into 2017 as he has been tapped to headline the 2017 NBA All-Star Hafltime show.
About the Author